And just like that, we’ve reached the final weeks of summer. July was a veritable blur of sales — Prime Day! Nordstrom Anniversary! — and our editors wouldn’t be the online shopping experts we are if we didn’t leave with a few choice purchases of our own. In addition to stellar deals (some of which you can still shop), Refinery29 staffers snapped up some late-summer finds like heeled sandals and SPF-infused lip balm to take us through this transitional time of year. August, just as the Taylor Swift song goes, tends to slip away into a moment in time, and before we know it, we’ll be abuzz with all things back to school, fall fashion, and cozy season related.
We haven’t even mentioned the best part: All of these editor-vetted finds clock in at under $100, making them affordable enough to not totally break the bank, while generally being better quality than what you’d snap up at a fast-fashion store. As with any product recommendation, budget or expensive, we believe in smart investments — not shopping to scratch an itch or avoid FOMO. (Although, there may be some truth in the adage that nothing haunts us like the good vintage we don’t take home with us.)
Whether you’re looking for a new lip gloss to try, versatile shoes to wear with anything in your closet, or something else entirely, we hope you’ll find it in our latest batch of monthly favorites. Without further ado, click ahead to shop our editors’ standout under-$100 purchases from last month, spanning across fashion, beauty, home, and more.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Aestura AtoBarrier 365 Cream
“I picked this up in the Amazon Prime sale after discovering that this Korean brand was finally available in the U.K. via the retailer, and ever since, my skin has looked and felt its very best. It’s a highly potent, ultra-moisturizing cream that — with a triple-threat mix of encapsulated ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol — boosts your skin’s barrier and helps it retain moisture. My dry, dehydrated skin has been lapping it up, especially after a summer of sun, sea, heat, and humidity, and I’ve noticed a massive improvement in stubborn texture along my jaw and neck. Plus, while it applies as a silky smooth gel cream, it leaves a soft matte finish that works really well as a makeup primer.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, $, available at Soko GlamPhoto: Courtesy of Esther Newman.
Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal
“All summer, I’ve been on the hunt for ’00s-inspired heeled flip-flops that I can travel with, and wear with everything from cargo pants to dresses and linen sets. Not only is this pair affordable and versatile but they’re also incredibly comfortable; I wore them for three days straight on a recent trip and didn’t get a single blister. I love this shoe so much that I have an alert set for when the black pair — currently unavailable in most sizes — is restocked.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Open Edit Tori Kitten Heel Sandal, $, available at NordstromPhoto: Courtesy of Irina Grechko.
Innbeauty Project Sun Balm SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Lip Balm
“Even though I wear sunscreen religiously, I’m guilty of skimping when it comes to protecting my lips. Most SPF lip balms I’ve tried had a residue-y texture I didn’t love, or I couldn’t find tinted options in shades that suited my skin tone. Innbeauty Project has not only solved for both of these variables, but it’s also succeeded in making a gorgeous lip product that I’d gladly wear on repeat even if it didn’t have SPF. It’s that good. I’m partial to the Latte shade, a nude beige that looks beautiful both on its own or layered over lip pencil.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
INNBEAUTY PROJECT Sun Balm SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Lip Balm, $, available at SephoraPhoto: Courtesy of Karina Hoshikawa.
U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound in Rom Com
“I have been following Tiktok creator Tinx for a long time, and I also love Tina Chen Craig, the founder of U Beauty — so when they collaborated for the limited drop of the Rom Com colorway in the Plasma Lip Compound, I had to check it out. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Plasma Lip Compound, a plumping treatment designed to hydrate and nourish with ingredients like ceramides and peptides, and while it’s a bit pricey, it definitely lives up to the hype. The soft pink color is perfect for everyday, and I feel so luxurious applying it with the metal applicator — it’s almost like a mini ice roller.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
U Beauty The PLASMA Lip Compound Rom Com, $, available at U Beauty
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir
“I went to Las Vegas for the first time in July, and was warned to expect blazing hot temperatures well into the 100s. As a beauty lover, I was up for the challenge of melt-proof makeup — and this new Kylie Cosmetics skin tint passed the test. For starters, the texture was super lightweight and comfortable to wear. The finish was a soft, luminous matte, and my shade (the same as what I wear in the brand’s Power Plush Concealer) was a flawless match. For $32, it’s not cheap — but a little goes a long way, so I’m expecting the bottle to easily last me a few months.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir, $, available at Kylie Cosmetics
Leevar Square Toe Heeled Sandal
“During the same aforementioned Las Vegas trip, I realized I didn’t pack a pair of heels — and wasn’t about to go to my first-ever club (!) in sneakers. Luckily, I was able to order these heeled square-toe sandals, and they arrived the next day. They’re surprisingly comfortable to walk (and dance!) in, and match pretty much everything. (I got them in black, and found them true to size.) I don’t typically buy shoes on Amazon, but for an emergency purchase? These got the job done, and I’ll definitely wear them again.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Leevar Square Toe Heeled Sandals, $, available at Amazon
Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes
“I’m long past using face wipes regularly, but I find it’s nice to have some on hand for specific scenarios, like cleansing after a workout class or when traveling. I took these Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes on a recent trip and loved using them to take off minimal makeup or to refresh my face after a long flight. They cleanse my skin well, but don’t feel stripping or harsh and are made with ingredients like green tea, aloe, and birch sap to cleanse, moisturize, and soothe all at the same time. I also appreciate that these are individually wrapped, not only because you can just pop one or two in your wallet, but also because I’ve definitely had the experience of re-opening a pack of wipes only to find them completely dried out because I hadn’t used them all within a week.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes (20 Count), $, available at DermStore
Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C
“I’m a big fan of every body product Necessaire makes — I use the fragrance-free body lotion and body serum pretty religiously — so when I saw this new body serum with vitamin C, I immediately knew I needed to try it out. I love the fact that now I can take advantage of vitamin C’s skincare benefits, like evening skin tone, not only on my face, but on my body, too. Just like Necessaire’s other products, this fragrance-free serum is thick and rich, but also sinks into the skin quickly, without leaving any greasy residue. I’ve been layering it under my usual body butter or body lotion, and it’s been a great addition to my summer body care routine, adding moisture and brightness to very dry (and sometimes burnt) summer skin. And from a purely aesthetic perspective, the bottle looks great sitting on my bathroom countertop.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Nécessaire The Body Vitamin C, $, available at NécessairePhoto: Courtesy of Kate Spencer.
Peppermayo Tinka Bow Earring
“I’ve never met a piece of bow-inspired jewelry I didn’t like. These delicate drop earrings are so chic with my collection of summer dresses and look way more expensive than they actually are. I will say that the ends were a bit too long for me, so I customized them by snipping off some of the length with pliers. These are exactly the kind of coquettish but easy-to-style accessory I have been looking for.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Peppermayo Tinka Bow Earrings, $, available at PeppermayoPhoto: Courtesy of Venus Wong.
Viola Castellani Made In Italy Leather Belt Bag
“I’m constantly adding to my bag collection, so I was excited to get this affordable TJ Maxx find. The sleek, un-bulky shape and leather fabric make it a great elevated belt bag or sling bag option. I also love the unique coral color. I’ve worn this adjustable bag out for some sightseeing and a baseball game, but am excited to take it out on the town for dinners and dancing, too.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Viola Castellani Made In Italy Leather Belt Bag, $, available at Tj MaxxPhoto: Courtesy of Victoria Montalti.
Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil
“I love wearing lip oils in the summer, but it can be hard to find one that gives the high level of pigment and shine I desire without any stickiness. I’m glad I gave this Gisou one a try: the juicy, high-shine finish makes my lips look like fruit punch, and the honey, bee garden oils, and hyaluronic acid keep my lips hydrated and pillowy soft. Most importantly, it’s non-viscous, so my hair never gets stuck on my lips. I’ve been wearing the mango passion fruit color everywhere this summer.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Gisou Honey Infused Hydrating Lip Oil, $, available at Sephora
Skims Soft Lounge Button Up Henley Onesie
“I’ve had this loungewear onesie on my Skims wish list for ages, but I finally pulled the trigger and ordered it last month while it was on sale. Not only is the soft, ribbed fabric absolutely divine, but the fit is on point. If Skims does one thing incredibly well, it’s nailing the second-skin fit and feel to its garments. I also found this to be very true to size, and am wearing an XS here. I feel so cute wearing it, and am obsessed with the starry print. Cozy season, I’m ready for you!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Skims BUTTON UP HENLEY ONESIE, $, available at Skims
Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects
“Yes, I cashed in on the Prime Day Crest Whitestrips deal, but I will 100% be buying these whitening strips at full price when the time comes (as I’ve done for the past few years). I appreciate that this pack includes 20 ‘professional effects’ treatments to use regularly, and two ‘express treatments’ for when I need a bright-white smile in a pinch. I don’t use these strips once a day as recommended because I have pretty sensitive teeth, but they work great and still make a notable difference when I apply them about once a week.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Crest 3D Whitestrips, Professional Effects, Teeth Whitening S, $, available at Amazon
Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime Candle
“I recently hosted a barbeque and left this candle burning in the kitchen, and let me tell you, my friends couldn’t stop asking me where this candle is from. Jo Loves, the brand founded by legendary perfumer Jo Malone – yes, of that Jo Malone fame – has a seriously underrated home fragrance collection. Smelling this uber-tropical scent, with the heady aromas of mango nectar and thyme, always makes me think of my solo trip to Thailand for my 30th birthday, which is such a happy memory. The burn time is impressive, and the smell lingers in the air for days after.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Jo Loves Mango Thai Lime Candle, $, available at Jo Loves
Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 35
“A while ago, I saw a TikTok of an influencer wearing Supergoop!’s powder face sunscreen as a scalp sunscreen, and was immediately… influenced. My hair gets oily so quickly, and applying a sunscreen spray to my hair part has always made it worse in the summer. I purchased the Supergoop! SPF in the translucent shade, which looks a lot like a dry shampoo when dabbed onto the center part of my hair. I love the bottle and soft brush, which easily locks and unlocks for mess-free application. It’s great to use before leaving the house, but also small enough to throw in your bag for re-applications.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder Face Sunscreen SPF 35, $, available at Sephora
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Jumbo Size
“This is very unsexy, but I am a sweaty girl, which makes summertime makeup very difficult. I have tried many setting sprays (mostly as a preventative measure), and they largely all work about the same — but I think Milani is onto something. I spray this all over my face, fan it dry and voilà, I am graced with makeup that will have no transfer or fading for the rest of the day.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Milani Make It Last Setting Spray Jumbo Size, $, available at MilaniPhoto: Courtesy of Becca Sax.
Homecourt Cece Room Deodorant
“I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Courteney Cox about Homecourt, her home fragrance and body care brand, and she tapped this room deodorizer as one of her favorite products she’s created (and one of the bestselling ones, too). After using it myself, I get the hype completely. Thanks to ingredients like charcoal and zinc ricinoleate, any unpleasant smells at home are immediately neutralized. I really like the signature CeCe scent, which has invigorating notes of cardamom and black pepper. I use it in my bathroom whenever it’s smelling a bit musty.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Homecourt Cece Room Deodorant, $, available at Homecourt
EBY Seamless Sheer Bralette
“I don’t know what kind of magic they put in these bralettes, but it works. I wore this and felt both supported and like I wasn’t wearing anything at all. It was one of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever worn, almost as comfortable as being braless. Plus, the sheer is kinda sexy without being too in your face.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
EBY Seamless Sheer Bralette, $, available at EBY
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